**UPDATED SERVICE INFORMATION: A graveside service will be held, Saturday, June 25, 2022, at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Johannesburg, Michigan at 3:00 p.m.
Jane Hewitt passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loving family, on Saturday, March 5, 2022, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, one month shy of her 97th birthday. Jane, born April 5, 1925, in Plymouth Township, Michigan, was the daughter of Jesse and Ruth Bryan. She grew up with a loving family of four sisters and one brother. She is survived by her children Virginia (Scott) Yost, Charles (Denise) Hewitt, Thomas Hewitt, Emily (Patty Griffin) Hewitt, William (Andrea) Hewitt, along with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and her sister-in-law Judy Bryan. Jane was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Charles, and siblings Jessie (James) Murdoch, Marcia (John) Boone, Bessie (Al) Kamerer, Virginia (Wallace) Borts, and Richard (Judy) Bryan.
Following her graduation from Hazel Park High School in Michigan, Jane worked at the telephone company alongside her sister Jessie and taught dance at Arthur Murray Studios in Detroit. She entered a contest at the studio and won a trip to Havana, Cuba. Jane married Charles Hewitt in December 1950. Jane lived most of her adult life in Michigan, with a short time in Virginia where her husband attended Virginia Theological Seminary. After his ordination, they were posted for 10 years in Algonac and eventually settled in the Gaylord area where she resided for over 45 years. Jane was employed at the Gaylord Board of Education as a bookkeeper for many years until her retirement.
Jane had a special love of birds, with hummingbirds and cardinals among her favorites. Music and singing were among her favorite activities, leading to her extended years in church choirs, and always quick to join in singing any Christmas carol. When she moved to Ann Arbor in 2011, she quickly became very active in the St. James Episcopal Church-Dexter choir.
Jane came from a large family and took great pleasure from raising and loving her own family while keeping the generations connected through annual family reunions. Jane’s greatest legacy must be her unconditional love and support for each of her children. She cared deeply for family, the community, and was quick to get involved in supporting others. While living in Gaylord, she was a long-time member of the Otsego Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, serving as president twice. Jane was incredibly dedicated to volunteering and community service to give back to the community. She was truly one of the most generous community members, both with her time, and resources. Jane’s warm and loving smile and genuine interest in others quickly turned strangers into treasured friends.
Visitation will be held on Friday, March 11, 2022, from 3-6 pm at Nie Funeral Home, 3767 W Liberty Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103.
An 11 am visitation will be held on Saturday, March 12, 2022, prior to a Celebration of Life at 12:00 pm at St. James Episcopal Church, 3279 Broad St, Dexter, MI 48130.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Faith in Action at https://faithinaction1.org/.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Nie Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Ann Arbor, MI, and burial arrangements were entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.
12 comments on “Mary Jane Hewitt”
To the best mother-in-law, I could have ever asked for, thank you for welcoming the kids and me into your family. We will miss you.
So saddened to hear about Mrs. Hewitt. She was so kind, caring, and sincere. One of the nicest people I have known. She loved her family and always spoke kindly of them. Also, she had an unwavering belief in god. Thoughts and prayers to the Hewitt family.
Very sorry to hear of Mrs. Hewitts passing she was always such a nice person. I remember their house on the corner of Maple and Petoskey streets seemed to always be full of love.
To the Wewitt family you will all be remembered in my prayers.
Lucky Chucky, Virginia, Emily, Tom, and Bill, I’m sorry for your loss, the Wagar’s are too enjoying their mothers (Connie) golden years. Having parents who saw the value of raising “the kids” in Gaylord has been priceless. Our memories will give us comfort. Tom and all the Wagar family.
I am so sorry, this is such sad news. I used to babysit for the Hewitts many many years ago and attended church with them as well. I often wondered what happened to everyone. Such a beautiful photo of your mom. Hugs and prayers to everyone. ❤️ Heidi Lewis LaBar
So sorry for the loss of your mother. When I was in 1st/2nd grade I had a very hard time learning to read. Your mother would come to the school and volunteer her time. She spent hours and hours with me out in the library teaching me to read better. I will forever be thankful for her time and patience with me. She was a very kind lady and I remember her always smiling.
Jane was a supporter of Otsego County Habitat for Humanity for many years. Our condolences to the Hewitt family.
Tom and Sandy Allison
Jane was my mentor at the hospital. She was a welcoming, warm and generous person. She helped me become auxiliary president. There was nothing I couldn’t ask her. Charles was a good volunteer for the hospital and supported Jane in all her endeavors. They were a supportive, loving couple.
Peace, Margaret Evans Albert
Jane was a lovely person. She was a bright light in many lives.
I am so sorry to hear of Mrs. Hewitt’s passing. She was always welcoming when I visited their home growing up. After Rev. Hewitt passed she sent me Christmas cards for years and caught me up on the family. A very gracious lady.
Saddened to hear of Mary’s passing, I did so enjoy working with her at all the blood drives held at OMH also, when Tom joined us for a fun day at the blood drawing. Mary will certainly be missed by so very many.
Sincere Wishes to all her family,
God be with her and all.